Second Chance Announces Free Pet Vaccination Event in Springfield on Sept. 17

SPRINGFIELD — Second Chance Animal Services is offering free pet vaccinations for Springfield-area pets at a community pet vaccine clinic to be held at the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free vaccines are made possible in part through a grant from the Beveridge Family Foundation Inc.

An estimated 30% of pet parents do not take their pet to a veterinarian annually for preventive care. To ensure the health and wellness of area pets and to address this critical need, Second Chance is making rabies and distemper pet vaccines free and accessible. Distemper vaccines can prevent parvovirus and distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats — the most prevalent deadly diseases affecting pets that are preventable with a simple vaccine.

“We are grateful to the Beveridge Family Foundation for making this clinic possible,” said Sheryl Blancato, Second Chance founder and CEO. “These are important vaccinations, and we urge community members to take advantage of this no-cost resource to ensure the health and wellness of our community’s pets.”

RAPV CEO Brendan Bailey said the association is proud to support community efforts throughout the Pioneer Valley. “Second Chance Animals is a recipient of grants funds from RAPV and the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. Through the volunteer efforts of our Realtor members, the association is able to take part in and support our community partners. Second Chance called for help, and the Realtors of the Pioneer Valley stepped up to the plate. We look forward to continuing our community work throughout the Valley and encourage all groups to reach out. The Realtors are here to help.”

Cheryl Malandrinos, 2022 RAPV president, added that “Second Chance Animal Services understands our furry friends are a vital part of our communities. The RAPV is excited to partner with them to provide this free vaccine clinic to residents of the Pioneer Valley.”

RAPV is located at 221 Industry Ave., Springfield. Advance registration is required by visiting www.secondchanceanimals.org/free-vaccine-clinic. The clinic is open to all and will offer free rabies and/or distemper vaccinations. Microchips will also be available at a cost of $22.